Fort Myers Star Zach Root Shines Ahead of 2025 MLB Draft!

Fort Myers, Florida, USA - As the Major League Baseball Draft approaches, all eyes are on Zach Root, a standout pitcher from Arkansas and Fort Myers High alum. Recently, Root showcased his formidable skills, striking out 14 batters in just six innings during a commanding 8-1 victory over Naples. In that game, he also shined at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run. His impressive performance underscores why he is one of the top prospects expected to be drafted in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft happening on July 13-14 in Atlanta. The anticipation surrounding Root is palpable, with potential teams like the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees showing keen interest in his talents, as noted by News-Press.

Root has enjoyed a successful season at Arkansas, where he logged a 9-6 record with a 3.62 ERA and amassed 126 strikeouts over 99.1 innings. His previous accolades include being named First Team All-SEC and Second Team All-American by Perfect Game. Back in high school, he was no stranger to accolades, as he earned the title of the 2022 Southwest Florida Baseball Player of the Year, finishing with a stellar 6-2 record and a mere 1.50 ERA. These accomplishments illustrate his growth as a pitcher and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

A Rising Star

Before his arrival at Arkansas, Root had already begun to make waves. He transferred from East Carolina University (ECU), where he not only garnered recognition as a promising talent but also endured challenges along the way. His breakout season at ECU saw him hold a 5-2 record, with a 3.82 ERA across 11 starts, alongside 69 strikeouts. Notably, Root was a contender for ECU’s staff ace before deciding to transfer, and he made an impact in the postseason, as noted by Mack’s Mets.

Root’s pitch repertoire is diverse and deep, featuring a five-pitch mix that includes a fastball, sinker, slider, changeup, and curveball. His fastball has reached speeds of up to 99 MPH, especially highlighted in his display during the Fayetteville Regional against Tennessee. As he heads into the draft, analysts are buzzing about his unique delivery, which allows him to pitch from various arm slots, and his impressive command over three of his pitches. His slider and changeup are particularly noteworthy, drawing praise for their effectiveness and swing-and-miss capabilities, as described by Three Quarters Lot.

Mock Draft Projections

Recent mock drafts have been teasing out scenarios where Root could be selected, with various outlets predicting his landing spot across different teams. Baseball America slots him at 35th overall to the Seattle Mariners, while ESPN has him at 34th overall to the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, MLB.com and the Sporting Tribune both have linked Root to the 39th overall pick with the New York Yankees. The excitement is building as the draft draws near, with coverage set to air on MLB Network and ESPN, along with streaming options available on Fubo and ESPN+. Each performance and scout’s report adds fuel to the fire of anticipation for what is sure to be an electrifying moment in Root’s baseball journey.

As the countdown to the draft continues, Zach Root stands poised to take the next big step in his baseball career, and many are eager to see where he will land. It’s clear this Fort Myers native is ready to make his mark on the professional scene!